Road bike newbie

[CdT85]

Hi guys and girls,

 

I just did the unthinkable (at least to myself) last week and got myself a road bike. Cheap, entry level Raleigh RC3000, with a 9 speed Tiagra groupset.

 

Went for my first ride with it yesterday and realized that its a completely different way of cycling from mountain biking. I did just over 17km to check the bike out and get a feel for it but halfway through my elbows were killing me.

 

The guy I bought the bike from was similar build and length as myself, and had the bike set up for him. Reach wise every thing seems fine, I am not cramped or stretched out too far on the bike. What can I change on the bike setup to improve my issue?

 

Started training for die burger race, so will need to get the setup sorted.

 

Looking forward to your input

[Pure Savage]

Hi guys and girls,

 

I just did the unthinkable (at least to myself) last week and got myself a road bike. Cheap, entry level Raleigh RC3000, with a 9 speed Tiagra groupset.

 

Went for my first ride with it yesterday and realized that its a completely different way of cycling from mountain biking. I did just over 17km to check the bike out and get a feel for it but halfway through my elbows were killing me.

 

The guy I bought the bike from was similar build and length as myself, and had the bike set up for him. Reach wise every thing seems fine, I am not cramped or stretched out too far on the bike. What can I change on the bike setup to improve my issue?

 

Started training for die burger race, so will need to get the setup sorted.

 

Looking forward to your input

I think your best bet would be a bike setup at a bike shop, there are plenty in the Strand/Somerset West. 

 

If dont want to go this way, go and check google and use one of the fitting tools with all measurements. 

 

There is no way someone on  a forum will be able to tell you to raise/lower seat, move it back, tilt it, change stem from behind a keyboard.

[CdT85]

I think your best bet would be a bike setup at a bike shop, there are plenty in the Strand/Somerset West. 

 

If dont want to go this way, go and check google and use one of the fitting tools with all measurements. 

 

There is no way someone on  a forum will be able to tell you to raise/lower seat, move it back, tilt it, change stem from behind a keyboard.

 

Thanks for the feedback. Did the google and measurement thing to the best of my ability. seems bike fit it is

[dexterdent]

I also got some elbow pain on my first road ride (after only doing MTB) - think it was due to holding on so tightly/rigidly and thereby getting all the vibrations running through locked elbows.

 

Next ride I focused a lot on being more relaxed with some play in my elbows and it was much better. I also needed to get used to avoiding any small bumps/debris that you would ignore on your mtb. 

[CdT85]

I also got some elbow pain on my first road ride (after only doing MTB) - think it was due to holding on so tightly/rigidly and thereby getting all the vibrations running through locked elbows.

 

Next ride I focused a lot on being more relaxed with some play in my elbows and it was much better. I also needed to get used to avoiding any small bumps/debris that you would ignore on your mtb. 

 

Must say, I missed my dual suspension last night, was quite a harsh ride. Will try loosen up a bit. I tilted the bars up a bit as well to see if that helps as well.